As well as transporting thousands of people (and their presents) to reunite and celebrate with loved ones over the festive period, ferry industry body, Discover Ferries is highlighting that the UK ferry industry is also responsible for bringing the spirit of Christmas to the British Isles with services bringing festive food, decorations and gifts to the homes.

Fresh vegetables, such as AOP Roscoff onions, Lamb’s lettuce and cauliflower grown by the Breton farmers who founded Brittany Ferries still arrive by sea. Stena Line ships many special products from Ireland on behalf of its customers including 7,000 palettes each of turkeys and Pigs in Blankets and 22,000 palettes of festive favourite, Baileys Irish Cream. Already this year, Wightlink has delivered more than 2,700 Christmas trees to the Isle of Wight.

Penguins, donkeys and a group of elves have all hitched a ferry ride in recent weeks, so passengers should keep their eyes peeled when travelling – lucky travellers may even get to see Father Christmas himself.

Abby Penlington, Director of Discover Ferries adds: “So many of our beloved Christmas traditions reach the British Isles from overseas. As well as essentials like food, one of the most celebrated Christmas items the ferry industry brings to our shores is the iconic Christmas tree that sits in Trafalgar Square and is transported across the sea by DFDS. Gifted by the Norwegian people, the spruce is over 20 metres tall and travels more than 1,700km and its arrival signifies the start of the festive season for the capital.”

Penlington continues: “Packing for time away can be extremely stressful but travelling by ferry can alleviate this anxiety as there are no concerns over luggage weight, transporting liquids or making sure it fits in your suitcase. Especially for those sailing with a car, passengers can fill their boots so they can pack in those extra Christmas gifts and Duty-Free. Not only is it easier to take larger items away on a ferry but it also offers peace of mind, as travellers don’t need to worry about the potential loss or damage of items such as expensive road bikes in transit.

“Owners of sports equipment, parents of small children and people with specialist hobbies are choosing to travel by ferry so they can holiday with the things that don’t fit in their suitcase. From a suit of armour (which would certainly set metal detectors off!) and beloved family pets to sports equipment such as kayaks, yoga mats, snowboards and even a boat – ferry passengers have the freedom to bring more than just the essentials. And this will become even more prominent in 2024 as the trend for hobby-led holidays grows.”

Suited up on Red Funnel

Luggage fees are travellers’ biggest gripe, with tight restrictions and hefty excess baggage charges proving particularly challenging at the most magical time of the year. Heavy jumpers, winter coats and Christmas presents can all add to the weight of getting away during the festive season. Free from exorbitant excess luggage fees and the reassurance that luggage won’t get lost en route – a fear almost half (49%) of British travellers face – ferry travel means passengers don’t have to fret about packing for their festive trip.